July 10, 2008 VALPARAISO REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MEETING: Valparaiso Redevelopment Commission LOCATION: North Fire Station 2605 Cumberland Dr. SUBJECT: Minutes of the July 10, 2008 Meeting IN ATTENDANCE: Members: Administration: George Douglas John Bowker Mayor Jon Costas Jan Dick David Smith Stu Summers Dave Pilz Jim Jorgensen Craig Phillips Patrick Lyp Absent: Mary Idstein OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE: Patty Leer, Evan Summers, members of the public and news media. 6:30 P.M. The Commission members met Bob Wanek, of the YMCA, for a tour of the new YMCA facility located in Cumberland Crossing. No Executive Session was held prior to the general meeting. 7:30 P.M. North Fire Station, 2605 Cumberland Dr., Valparaiso, IN Following is a summary of discussions at this meeting, which started at 7:30 P.M. President, George Douglas began the meeting by thanking the Valparaiso Fire Department for the set-up and use of their meeting room. President Douglas noted that all voting Commission members were present; School Board representative Mary Idstein was unable to attend the meeting. He then called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. President Douglas introduced Mr. Dave Pilz, City Engineer, to review the proposed design elements for the IN 49 diamond interchange at Vale Park Rd. The design of the interchange is being worked on by INDOT. There have been some indications that this upgrade may take sooner than originally announced. The City s strategic plan has identified this area as a key corridor to the City. Item #1 8.14.08
2 Approval of Minutes Secretary Bowker reported that he had reviewed the minutes of the June 10, 2008 meeting and found them to be accurate. Mr. Bowker moved for adoption of the minutes without changes; the motion was seconded by Jim Jorgensen. Motion carried 5-0. A copy of the minutes is attached hereto and made a part hereof. Financial Report Treasurer s Report Mr. Summers stated there were two financial issues to cover during the meeting. He asked that the May financial statement prepared by the Clerk-Treasurer be accepted into the record. At the end of the meeting Mr. Summers indicated that a presentation of the mid-year financial review and cash flow forecast would be given. There were no additions or corrections to be made to the financial report. A copy was e-mailed to Commission members; it is posted on the website and is attached to these minutes. Mr. Bowker moved for adoption of the Treasurer s Report as presented, Mr. Smith seconded. Motion carried 5-0. In addition Mr. Summers announced that the full 2006 property tax receipts (payable 2007) had been received and would be reflected in the cash flow analysis. Tax Abatement Request Great Lakes Laboratories Economic Development Director Matt Murphy presented an application for tax abatement for Great Lakes Laboratories for the RDC s recommendation to the City Council for seven (7) year abatement approval. The abatement application, economic analysis and Mr. Murphy s letter of recommendation are attached hereto and made a part hereof. Mr. Jorgensen moved approval of the request and to recommend approval by the City Council. Mr. Dick seconded. Mr. Jorgensen then went on to say that from his role as the Commission s representative to the Valparaiso Economic Development Corporation, he was delighted that Great Lakes Laboratories has decided to expand in Valparaiso. This is exactly the sort of economic development project targeted by the VEDC. Mr. Douglas concurred, and called for a vote. The motion passed 5-0. Additional Agenda Items Comments from Mayor Costas Mayor Costas addressed the Commission, thanking them for all their hard work. He praised the use of Redevelopment funding to leverage the numerous grant funds the RDC has been able to secure. The Mayor said he was pleased to seen the many orange construction signs throughout the City this summer at the numerous
3 redevelopment projects in the city. He stated that he has received a lot of positive feedback. In addition to leveraging grant funds, the redevelopment is attracting private investment, such as that planned by the Great Lakes Laboratories. The Mayor praised the staff in general and the members of the Commission in particular for their skills, vision, energy, and dedication. HB 1001 required letter to the County Auditor Mr. Karl Cender of Cender & Associates, informed the Commission of additional reporting requirements under the recently adopted HB 1001. The RDC is required to submit a separate letter to Mr. James Kopp, Porter County Auditor concerning any excess value from incremental property taxes that can be released to the overlapping taxing unites within the Consolidated Valparaiso Allocation Area, the North Central Allocation Area and the Medical Office Technology Allocation Area. Mr. Bowker made a motion proposing the Commission authorize Mr. Stu Summers to sign and distribute the three letters to the County Auditor with copies to other entities as may be required. Mr. Jan Dick seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0. Mr. Summers signed the letters and asked Mr. Cender to make the necessary distributions. Copies of these letters are attached hereto and made a part hereof. East Lincolnway Update Status of East Lincolnway Project Mr. Pilz reported on the progress of the East Lincolnway Reconstruction Project. The second phase of the project began on Wednesday. The south lane of Lincolnway will be open to eastbound traffic, once the middle lane is excavated which will happen by Friday. The goal remains to have the roadway open for the entrances to adjacent businesses. Opening of Proposals for purchase offer for the Roundabout Parcel Mr. Evan Summers stated that three (3) proposals were received by the Redevelopment Commission for the purchase of the Roundabout Parcel. All proposals were received in a timely fashion. Mr. Summers opened and read all three of the proposals for the record. A copy of each proposal is attached hereto and made a part hereof. The proposals were as follows: Suman Das of Das and Das $350,000 Charles Welter $350,000 Mrs. Betty Saxe $ 1 The minimum bid required by the RFP was $285,000, based on appraisals obtained by the Commission staff.
4 Mrs. Betty Saxe, a citizen that resides next to the Roundabout Parcel, expressed her concern for the type of redevelopment that would take place at the parcel. She was also concerned with the removal of signs that designated the road as No Trucks route, and the speed with which cars travel north along Silhavy Rd. She closed by asking the Commission to consider the neighborhood, when selecting a proposal for redevelopment. President Douglas asked that a copy of the Roundabout Landscaping Plan be posted of the City website. Mr. Evan Summers asked for two Commission members to volunteer to be members of the selection committee. President Douglas and Mr. David Smith volunteered their services. In addition Mr. Stu Summers and Mr. Craig Phillips would serve as staff members to the selection committee. The Committee will review the proposals and make a recommendation to the Commission at its August meeting. Silhavy Road Engineering Proposal from Lawson-Fisher for Improvements to the LaPorte to Evans St. segment Mr. Pilz presented a proposal from Lawson-Fisher for the LaPorte to Evans segment of Silhavy Road. A copy of the complete proposal is attached hereto and made a part hereof. The contract for services is in the amount of $290,000, which is included in the proposed revised budget for 2008. (This funding will be needed over a three and a half year period.) The proposal has been reviewed by Mr. Pilz and Mr. Burkman. Because preliminary grant approval for this segment of the Silhavy Rd. redesign has been received, there are twenty seven steps necessary to design a plan that will be approved by State and Federal entities prior to commencing construction. Mr. Pilz stated that it is the recommendation of the engineers that the Redevelopment Commission make a recommendation to the Board of Works to complete the design survey and design study report at this time, modifying the proposal, in order to meet grant funding deadlines. The price tag for these two steps is $30,000 and Mr. Summers indicated there are funds included in the Silhavy project for this expenditure. Mr. Jim Jorgensen so moved, Mr. John Bowker seconded. Motion carried 5-0. Preliminary Engineering Proposal for South Silhavy Rd. Mr. Pilz also reported that a proposal has been received for the preliminary engineering design for the so-called Burkman Design of the South Silhavy Rd outlet to Sturdy Rd. to alleviate some of the traffic congestion at U.S. 30. The engineering proposal is estimated to be $139,000. Mr. Jorgensen moved to authorize
5 the expenditure and make a recommendation for approval to the Board of Works, Mr. Bowker seconded. Motion carried 5-0. Update Status of Vale Park & Silhavy Rd. Intersection Mr. Summers reported that arrangements have been finalized with Porter County Sheriff to provide a Traffic Control Officer at the intersection of Vale Park and Silhavy Roads. Initial traffic control will take place between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday at a rate of $25/hour. This is a trial plan for the safe movement of traffic during a very busy two hour window. The hope is that this will prove to be a viable solution to the traffic problems at the intersection, saving the City the cost of providing turn lanes and a traffic signal prior to the opening of the diamond interchange at Vale Park Rd., to be constructed by INDOT. Mr. Jorgensen said it was an innovative way to address a problem in a cost-effective manner. Proposal from Structurepoint for design of a Vale Park/Silhavy Rd Roundabout Mr. Pilz reported that he recently responded to INDOT concerning the consultant selection process conducted by the City in regards to this project. The City expects that they will soon receive confirmation informing the City that it has complied with all requirements for consultant selection. Mr. Summers and Mr. Pilz met last week with Structurepoint concerning a proposal for environmental approvals and engineering design for the Vale Park Rd/Silhavy Rd Roundabout. INDOT is reviewing the contract. Mr. Bowker moved to authorize funding up to $166,530, subject to contract approval by INDOT and the Board of Public Works and Safety. Mr. Dick seconded. Motion carried, 5-0. Downtown TOD Update Mr. Summers reported that he has received a final grant agreement from the RDA for the recently awarded funds of $1,862,000. Mr. Summers requested the Commission s authorization for President Douglas to sign and execute the agreement. Mr. Jorgensen so moved, Mr. Dick second. Motion carried 5-0. A copy of the grant agreement is included in these minutes. Bus Station Lease Mr. Summers and Mr. Smith reviewed the site at the Franklin House to be used as a station for the Chicago Commuter Express Bus. Some modifications will have to be made, but the facility meets all standards necessary to be eligible for state and federal funding. The developer is asking that the Commission provide a letter of commitment for the renting of the facility. Mr. Bowker moved for the Commission to authorize Mr. Lyp, Mr. Smith and Mr. Summers to enter into a lease agreement for the commuter bus station, located at the Franklin House on Jefferson St. as was
6 contemplated by the adoption of Resolution No. 10-11-2007-1. Mr. Dick seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0. Sidewalk Replacement along west side of Campbell St. Mr. Summers requested permission to ask the Board of Works to use the annual contract to replace the sidewalk on the west side of Campbell St. commencing at Lincolnway south to the Franklin House. This segment of sidewalk is in very poor condition. There is a provision in the RDA grant for sidewalks and streetscape; funds from this grant would be used for the sidewalk and some better lighting. Mr. Bowker so moved, Mr. Dick seconded. Motion carried 5-0. Medical Office and Technology Development Proposal from DLZ for $20,000 Sewer Capacity Study Mr. Pilz said the presentation and authorization of this proposal could be deferred to a future Redevelopment Commission Meeting. No action was taken. Update on Projects Report and requests for appropriations Mr. Pilz stated he had no other reports or requests for appropriations. Financial Report, continued 2008 Midyear Financial Review Mr. Summers reported to the Commission that he has updated the adopted 2008 budget for actual income and expenditures to date and newly approved and deferred projects not previously included in the 2008 adopted budget. The Income/Expense and Project Summaries are attached hereto and made a part hereof. Mr. Summers stated that at present there is an $84,000 shortfall for 2008, but there are additional updates still to be made. One such item would be the income generated by the sale of the Roundabout Parcel. Further review will be made and revisions will be presented in August. Mr. Smith and President Douglas expressed concerns with deferring projects to 2009 in that increased costs would be generated due to the delay. Mr. Summers said that projects are not being held up due to financial reasons, but rather due to the design work needed, especially with grant funded projects. Mr. Pilz concurred. Other Items Any other business to come before the Commission
7 Mr. John Bowker wished to express the Commission s appreciation and best wishes to Mr. Evan Summers. His service to the Commission as an intern has been very professional and efficient during a time when the Commission has had to attend to many issues. Mr. Summers is leaving the Redevelopment Commission staff to accept an offer from the Berwyn (Illinois) Redevelopment Corporation. President Douglas opened the floor to members of the public present at the meeting. Mr. McCasland asked Has the RDC paid back the Major Moves funds spent for the Cumberland Pathway? Mr. Bowker answered that the funds had not been paid back to the Major Moves Funds because the engineers have not yet approved the work and changes have not been made. Mr. Dick concurred and said no funds should be forwarded until the design is accepted by the engineers. Mr. McCasland agreed with the Commission because the pathway is 2/3 under water. In addition, Mr. McCasland stated that traffic management on East Lincolnway had not been well planned. He thanked Mr. Jorgensen for his actions at the previous meeting. I m glad you finally decided to cooperate with the East Porter County School Corporation and stop the beat them up attitude. Finally he complained that neither one of the proposed hospitals for Porter County will have a trauma center and that we should push the issue President Douglas took exception to Mr. McCasland s comments regarding East Porter County School Corporation. He stated that he was personally involved in the negotiations and that at all times there was a spirit of cooperation and that Mr. McCasland s comments did not characterize the true nature of the meetings. Adjournment There being no further comments or questions, Mr. Bowker moved to adjourn, President Douglas seconded. Motion carried 5-0. The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted by, John Bowker, Secretary
8 Future Meetings: (Dates and locations subject to change) 7:00 p.m., in City Council Chambers August 14, 2008 November 13, 2008 September 11, 2008 December 11, 2008 October 9, 2008